Meet Dr. Gottstein

Dr. Gottstein smiling wearing a gray sweater against a brown background.

Ellie Gottstein, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist

Practicing in Virginia and North Carolina.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who grew up as a competitive figure skater and dancer and holds the identity of “athlete” close to my heart. I spend most of my free time moving my body through dance, Pilates, aerial arts, gym sessions, and walking. My identity as an athlete has profoundly shaped my therapeutic approach. I approach life's challenges with a goal-oriented mindset and help my clients tackle obstacles with determination and clarity. My primary clinical interests include anxiety, depression, stress management, and perfectionism. I have worked in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, college counseling centers, and medical facilities. I have experience providing individual and group therapy, conducting psychological evaluations, and providing multidisciplinary consultation, assessment, and treatment. My primary clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depression, stress management, perfectionism, and motivational difficulties.

We will get along well if you enjoy working toward goals and finding the strength to help you live the life you have always wanted. If you're ready to embrace your future, overcome your fears, and step into the confident, empowered version of yourself you’ve always envisioned, I’m here to support you. My goal is to create a space where you feel both challenged and uplifted. Sessions with me involve exploring your aspirations, tackling the obstacles in your way, and developing practical strategies to help you thrive, all while sharing some laughs.

I use evidence-based approaches to therapy and intervention, primarily informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and interpersonal process. So what does that mean? Sessions with me explore how the relationship individuals have with their thoughts, feelings, bodies, and the struggles in our lives may trap us in cyclical patterns that have a negative impact on our lives. I use a variety of tools to identify these patterns and help clients work toward becoming the best version of themself according to their own goals and desires. I encourage the inclusion of individuality and believe a main component of successful therapy relies on a strong therapeutic relationship and bond.


Focus on psychological strength and wellness.

Step 1
Understand your “why”

Book titled 'The Power of Why' with '77 Human Needs' visible; gray cover with minimalist design.

Step 2
Create actionable goals

Overhead view of an open planner or calendar for November with handwritten goals and a white coffee mug with black coffee on top.

Step 3
Collaboratively work toward goal achievement

Two people holding hands, showing support, on a wooden surface.

Step 4
Arrive at original goals and push for continued life-long growth

Monarch butterfly chrysalis and emerging butterfly

“Life comes in waves. It is important to have the skills and resources to take each wave as it comes knowing that you can handle however big the wave becomes.”

Begin your journey to psychological strength and wellness.